Lily Sheppard made it official Wednesday afternoon by signing her national letter of intent with South Plains College to play Lady Texan basketball.
South Plains College, located in Levelland, Texas, competes in region V of the Western Junior College Athletic Conference under the National Junior College Athletic Association.
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For Sheppard, the intent was always to play college basketball; however, the feeling was exaggerated following a monumental 2025-26 season with the Lady Jackets to finalize her illustrious high school career.
“We all wanted the same thing and we all grew from each game,” said Sheppard about the team. “My teammates do an amazing job pushing themselves and each other. It’s never just a one-man show.”
Proud of how well the Lady Jackets played together, regardless of the outcome, Sheppard led the program to its first playoff appearance in five years and first district championship in 12 seasons by going a perfect 14-0.
“It’s really a blessing knowing that I made my mark here, but I also set a new standard for Cleburne basketball. What we did this year hasn’t been done in a while and now, they can build up from it and get further than what we did this year.”
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A senior season where Sheppard was recognized as the District 8-5A MVP, a Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-Region selection and 2026 All-Johnson County MVP, the guard/forward was highly touted by recruiters.
Learning from each college that spoke to her, Sheppard described the early stages of the recruiting process as difficult, as she wanted to play somewhere close to home.
“I want to be around my family, still want to see my siblings grow up,” Sheppard said. “But I also know that if it means moving out so I can be better for myself and for my team, I’m willing to do that.”
When talks began with South Plains, the connection was not only felt from Sheppard and head coach Ara Baten, but with the entire staff.
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Despite multiple high school stops throughout her four years that never gave Lily an opportunity to find a permanent home due to A.J. Sheppard’s coaching jobs, Lily’s dad and Cleburne’s head football coach, the ultimate factor in becoming a Lady Texan was the family aspect.
“Knowing that I can go and still have a family, but also come back here and still have my family, it helped a lot in picking South Plains.”
Lily’s brother and sister, Taye and Lyla, return to Cleburne varsity basketball next season.
At South Plains, Lily will continue in the hybrid role, but will see a focus on playing shooting guard. With her height advantage and experience playing in the post, Lily is ready to take her skills to Levelland.
“He [Baten] already has a plan for me and I know whenever I get there, I’m gonna be successful no matter what my role is.”
